Cerebral Palsy Summary Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. The disorders appear in the first few years of life. Usually they do not get worse over time. People with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking. They may also have trouble with tasks such as writing or using scissors. Some have other medical conditions, including seizure disorders or mental impairment. Cerebral palsy happens when the areas of the brain that control movement and posture do not develop correctly or get damaged. Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before 3 years of age. Babies with cerebral palsy are often slow to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Some babies are born with cerebral palsy; others get it after they are born. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment can improve the lives of those who have it. Treatment includes medicines, braces, and physical, occupational and speech therapy. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Treatments and Therapies Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Treatment for Muscle Spasms American Academy of Family Physicians Children Cerebral Palsy Nemours Foundation Cerebral Palsy (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Babies & Preschoolers (Birth to age 5) Nemours Foundation Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Big Kids (6 to 12) Nemours Foundation Dietary Needs for Kids With Cerebral Palsy Nemours Foundation Teenagers Cerebral Palsy Nemours Foundation Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Teens & Young Adult (13 to 21) Nemours Foundation Start Here Cerebral Palsy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Cerebral Palsy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Cerebral Palsy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cerebral Palsy March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Array Cerebral palsy Swallowing problems Health Check Tools Cerebral Palsy (CP) Quiz Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cerebral Palsy National Institutes of Health Related Issues Dressing with Ease, Style and Comfort ALS Association Employees with Cerebral Palsy Office of Disability Employment Policy Hypertonia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Spasticity National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Find an Expert March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Journal Articles Cerebral Palsy
